Joey Bada$$ puts his spin on Prince’s 1984 classic “When Doves Cry”

UPDATE February 4, 2018: Due to high demand from his fans, Joey Bada$$ has shared a studio version of "THUGZ CRY," which features additional vocals from Kirk Knight and Raury. Amazing.

Original Story:

During a recent press run while in Australia, Joey Bada$$ simultaneously showed off his talent and paid homage to a legend.

As part of radio station Triple J's "Like a Version" series, the Pro Era rapper performed a cover of Prince's 1984 hit "When Doves Cry," complete with backing from a live band.

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For his remixed rendition—one that he referred to as "When Thugs Cry"—the 22-year-old brilliantly flips the track, singing his own original take on the lyrics: "Maybe I'm just like my brother/He's never satisfied/Why do we shoot at each other/This is what it sounds like when thugs cry."

As if that wasn't enough of a sonic blessing, Joey also unleashed a new track, "King to a God," alongside fellow Pro Era member Dessy Hinds, with the pair doing their thing over a NasteeLuvsYou instrumental.

Take a look at Joey Bada$$ showing love to The Purple One, as well as check out his latest single, below.